B2C2 has recruited a former Schroders executive as part of a push to grow its footprint across Asia’s crypto wealth sector, according to CoinDesk. The firm, known for providing institutional trading and liquidity services in digital assets, is positioning itself to serve a rising base of wealthy investors in the region.
B2C2 was founded in 2015 and has built its business around institutional crypto trading, market making, and liquidity provision. The firm has previously drawn backing from SBI Group, a Japanese financial conglomerate with deep ties to Asian markets. Its latest hire suggests an intent to deepen relationships with traditional finance players entering digital assets.
Schroders is a major global asset manager with a long history in wealth and investment management. Bringing in an executive with that background gives B2C2 a bridge to traditional finance networks. It also signals an attempt to speak the language of private banks and family offices weighing crypto allocations.
Asia has emerged as a focal point for crypto wealth growth in recent years. Hubs such as Hong Kong and Singapore have pursued clearer digital asset regulatory frameworks, drawing interest from institutional investors. Wealthy individuals across the region have shown increasing appetite for exposure to digital assets, either directly or through structured products.
The hire comes as more traditional finance professionals move into crypto-native firms. Liquidity providers and trading platforms have sought executives with asset management or private banking backgrounds. Such hires can help these firms build trust with institutional clients still cautious about digital asset infrastructure.
Specific details about the new hire’s title, start date, or exact responsibilities at B2C2 were not disclosed in the reporting. It also remains unclear whether the move is tied to a broader restructuring of B2C2’s Asia operations or a standalone appointment. The scope of the executive’s mandate, including which markets or client segments will be prioritized, has not been specified.
B2C2 has not issued a detailed statement beyond what has been reported regarding the hire’s strategic rationale. As with many personnel moves in the crypto industry, more context is likely to emerge as the firm formalizes the role publicly. Market participants will be watching for further disclosures about how this appointment fits into B2C2’s wider growth plans in Asia.
Sources disagree on this story
This article was published before the reports below were compared. The reporting above stands; what follows is where the published accounts do not agree.
CoinDesk and CryptoBriefing both report B2C2's hiring of Jason Lai but attribute the same 69% APAC transaction growth figure to different research organizations.
What all sources agree on
- B2C2 has appointed Jason Lai, former chairman of Schroders Wealth Management Asia, as a senior adviser in Singapore.
- The hire aims to deepen B2C2's relationships with family offices and institutional funds across Asia-Pacific.
- B2C2 is majority-owned by Japan's SBI Holdings.
- Goldman Sachs estimates roughly a third of family offices globally hold crypto assets.
- Private-wealth assets under management across the region could reach $99 trillion by 2029.
- David Rogers serves as APAC CEO, with Laura Teo as Singapore Country Head.
Where the reports disagree
1Source of the 69% APAC transaction volume growth statistic
APAC was the world's fastest-growing region for onchain activity in the year through June 2025, with transaction volume surging 69% to $2.36 trillion, according to Chainalysis.
Asia's blockchain transaction volumes grew 69% year-over-year through June 2025, according to OECD data.
What would settle it: The original research report cited, whether published by Chainalysis or the OECD, showing the underlying data and methodology for this figure.
What to make of it
The hiring of Jason Lai by B2C2 is consistently reported and can be treated as established; the 69% growth statistic itself may be accurate, but readers should not rely on either the Chainalysis or OECD attribution until the original source report is checked.
Market Impact
The hire, if it leads to expanded services, could deepen institutional liquidity channels for crypto trading across Asia. Private wealth managers and family offices considering digital asset allocations may gain another established counterparty with traditional finance credibility.
Broader implications depend on how B2C2 builds out its Asia strategy following this appointment. A stronger institutional bridge between asset management and crypto trading could support more structured product offerings in the region. However, the overall market effect will likely stay limited unless followed by concrete product launches or partnership announcements.
The appointment underscores a continuing trend of traditional finance talent moving into crypto infrastructure firms, particularly those targeting Asia's wealth management sector. Further details on B2C2's plans are expected to surface as the firm develops its regional strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is B2C2?
B2C2 is an institutional crypto trading firm that provides liquidity and market-making services for digital assets, founded in 2015.
Who did B2C2 hire?
According to CoinDesk, B2C2 hired an executive with a background at asset manager Schroders, though the exact title and role were not specified.
Why is Asia significant for crypto wealth growth?
Asia has seen rising institutional and private wealth interest in digital assets, supported by clearer regulatory frameworks in hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore.
Does this hire confirm new product launches at B2C2?
No specific product launches or service expansions have been confirmed; the reporting only describes the hire as part of B2C2's Asia growth push.